Construction

Painter tells how he survived passing out on flagpole

73-year-old Warren Hinrichs forgot to bring water with him as temperatures hit 107 degrees at the flagpole in Yakima.

By KATE PRENGAMANYakima Herald-Republic

YAKIMA — Having painted flagpoles for more than a half-century, Warren Hinrichs was only a little worried about the heat Monday as he prepared to climb the pole atop the federal courthouse in downtown Yakima.

With temperatures forecast to rise above 100, he got permission to bring his dog, Stitch, up to the roof rather than leave the dog in his truck. He even left Stitch a bowl of water.